Kumar Bros USA NEW Craftsman 42" Mower Deck Mulch Plate KIT 24142 198383 & FITS POULAN HUSQVARN

What It Is

This is a mulch plate kit for 42-inch Craftsman, Poulan, and Husqvarna lawn tractor decks. It blocks the discharge chute so grass clippings are recirculated and finely chopped inside the deck, letting you mulch rather than bag or side-discharge.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm three things:

• Deck size: This kit is designed for 42-inch (107 cm) stamped steel decks only. Not for 46-inch or 54-inch decks.
• Model numbers: Listed to fit Craftsman (24142, 198383), Poulan, and Husqvarna models. Cross-reference your mower’s model number (starts with “917” for Craftsman, “P” for Poulan, “H” for Husqvarna) with the seller’s fitment list.
• Measurements: The plate itself is roughly 12” x 7”. Measure your deck’s discharge opening width and bolt hole spacing (typically 3.5” center-to-center). If your deck has a plastic chute deflector, check that the plate’s mounting holes align with the existing bracket holes.

This is an aftermarket kit, not OEM. It includes the metal plate, two bolts, and two lock nuts. If your deck uses a spring-loaded chute door, you may need to remove it first—this kit replaces that door.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Expect thinner gauge steel than OEM. Some users report slight bending under heavy wet grass. Fine for occasional mulching, not for commercial use.
• Installation: Straightforward—remove two bolts from the discharge chute bracket, slide the plate into place, and install the included hardware. Takes under 10 minutes. No drilling or modification needed if your deck matches the bolt pattern.
• Gotcha: The paint may chip quickly. Touch up with rust-resistant spray paint if you want it to last more than one season.
• Mulching performance: Works best with a dedicated mulching blade (not included). Using standard lift blades will leave visible clippings.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a 42-inch Craftsman, Poulan, or Husqvarna tractor and want a cheap, quick way to convert from side-discharge to mulching without buying a full mulching kit. Skip it if you need OEM-grade durability, have a different deck size, or mulch heavy, wet grass regularly—look for a thicker steel OEM plate instead.